Volunteers needed for CASA

Sunday

Jan 6, 2013 at 3:15 AM

CONCORD — Will one of your resolutions this year be to volunteer? CASA of NH, a non-profit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in the NH courts, needs volunteers throughout the state.

A CASA is an everyday hero like you appointed by the court to independently monitor and report on these children, and advocate for what is in their best interest, with the goal of a safe, permanent home. CASA seeks committed volunteers who relish a serious challenge to train to be advocates for children in their own communities. Here is what “Katie”, a 17 year-old in the foster care system, had to say about CASA volunteers:

“Ever since I was little, I have been involved with the child welfare system—for so long that I can’t even remember when it started. In the early years, my sister and I bounced back and forth among many foster homes. Constantly moving is a very hard thing to do, especially when you are small. We lived with our mom and her various boyfriends, my granny, my great granny, my aunt and in group homes. Eventually my sister was adopted by her father, leaving me more alone than ever.

Five years ago I met Sue, my CASA volunteer. She was the one person who has actually stuck around the entire time. Even when I made mistakes or bad decisions, Sue hung in there with me and kept telling me I could achieve any goal I put my mind to. I could easily have followed my mom’s path in life, for a while I was headed in that direction. But with Sue’s encouragement and guidance, I am turning my life around. Last year I was accepted into the state independent living program, which meant no more moving all the time. Getting into the program took a lot of hard work and self discipline. Being accepted took a lot of changing my ways and growing up. I could not have done it without my CASA volunteer, Sue. This summer I moved into my very own apartment, which is right across the street from my little sister’s school! We see each other every day.

I have a lot to be thankful for. School is going well. I am happy to have my sister back in my life. Her dad even checks on me sometimes. I know I will be a success and meet all my goals—to finish high school, go to college and go on to work in the court system. I want to help other foster kids like me make their way through the system and into the world the way that Sue did for me.”

Being a CASA is a life-changing experience. CASA volunteers work with families, social workers, attorneys and judges to ensure safe, permanent homes for these children. They commit to a particular case and visit monthly with the child or children involved. They attend all court hearings on the case and monitor its progress. They spend an average of 8-10 flexible hours a month per case and work with the courts closest to where they live. CASA of NH invites all interested individuals to learn more about the program, download the application, or view the statewide training calendar at their website, www.casanh.org, or to call 800-626-0622 for more information.